Discovery gives insight into brain function, breakdowns

OHSU researchers identify key molecule that contributes to understanding, developing treatments for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, autism

By Erik Robinson October 19, 2022 Portland, OREGON

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Neurotransmitter discovery

Dennis Weingarten and Sklyer Jackman

Dennis Weingarten, Ph.D., left, and Sklyer Jackman, Ph.D., identified a long-sought gene-encoded protein that enables the brain to communicate a broad range of signals across gaps between neurons known as synapses. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Dennis Weingarten, Ph.D., in Jackman Lab

Neurotransmitter discovery lead author Dennis Weingarten, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral researcher in the Jackman lab at OHSU. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Skyler Jackman, Ph.D.

Skyler Jackman, Ph.D., assistant scientist in the OHSU Vollum Institute, is the senior author of a neurotransmitter discovery that is published in the journal Nature. He is sitting next to the scope used to view synaptic transmission. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)